International music sensation Beyoncé and her wealthy rapper husband Jay-Z are gearing up to construct a lavish estate in the picturesque Cotswolds.
This dream project in the serene countryside is becoming a reality due to a planning loophole that affluent individuals frequently utilize.
The couple is reportedly close to purchasing an 18-acre plot in Oxfordshire for several million pounds. This land has been granted planning permission for a “spectacular rural estate,” transforming what was essentially untouched terrain.
Despite the typical rejection of new building applications on greenfield sites, permission was secured through a “special exemption” rule. This clause allows for the construction of “architecturally significant buildings” where planners would usually deny approval.
Beyoncé’s proposed estate appears to align with these criteria, featuring an innovative design with a mansion partially suspended over a man-made lake.
The location, nestled between Banbury and Chipping Norton, is an area long favored by former Prime Minister David Cameron as a countryside retreat.
Exclusive private members club Soho Farmhouse, beloved of the Duchess of Sussex and near-neighbours David and Victoria Beckham, is a healthy country stroll away.
Plans for the ‘architecturally significant’ property Jay-Z and Beyonce are believed to be poised to build
Jay-Z and Beyonce, pictured in Paris in June
The 18 Oxfordshire acres the American pair are understood to be on the verge of buying for several millions pounds have planning permission for a ‘spectacular rural estate’ on the previously virtually undeveloped land
Promotional puffs for the property, which currently features only that derelict shack and an algae-filled man-made lake, reveal that planning permission has previously been granted for a new mansion.
That permission was given by Cherwell District Council in 2021 under a clause allowed for under national planning rules, which gives a free pass to spectacular plans of the type seen on Channel 4’s Grand Designs. It has been dubbed the ‘rich person clause’ by critics.
This particular design is for a ‘large contemporary’ home with seven beds, seven reception rooms, and seven bathrooms.
The ‘totally unique’ property listing – which says it is now ‘sold subject to contract’ – continues: ‘The site for the new house is at the head of a long drive that meanders through beautiful countryside to a magical woodland lake.
‘Permission has been granted to create a dwelling that part cantilevers over its own lake, has incredible room volumes throughout, will be exceptionally light and have stunning views over surrounding countryside.
‘The position and the permission are unrivalled.’
The firm behind the design, Seymour-Smith Architects, has boasted that the planned house is its fifth to win planning consent under the ‘architecturally important buildings’ clause, giving it a 100 per cent success rate.
The architects said online of the ‘rather magical’ project: ‘The brief was for a flexible, multi-generational house, to allow three households of one family to live independently but together – three self-contained yet linked living environments.
‘It was important for each to have its own entrance, living space and outside space – but also that this wasn’t three houses, but rather, one house that could be lived in in different ways.
‘This was to be a home for a family enjoying each other’s time and company, providing care solutions for young and old.
‘The house will be nestled among the trees, and dramatically projecting over the water.’
The man-made lake on the currently undeveloped site understood to be Beyonce’s future home
The local village does not have a single pub or shop, but does boast two churches and a free community book exchange for when celebrities tire of Soho Farmhouse.
A resident who asked only to be identified as David, 71, said: ‘I don’t know much about Beyonce. Everybody has been looking her up to see what she’s like.
‘I don’t think it will make much difference because we have already got David Beckham, Claudia Winkleman, all the people are here. It’s just another one isn’t it?’
A previous home taking advantage of the ‘rich person clause’ was a partially underground Teletubby-style house called Bigbury Hollow in Kent, which featured on Grand Designs.
Beyonce and Jaz-Z are the latest in a series of American celebrities to be drawn to the fashionable Cotswolds, not long after comedienne Ellen DeGeneres moved in.
